Implantable Contact Lens

The Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) is also known as a Phakic IOL.  The ICL is considered an alternative to such procedures as LASIK and PRK, or Refractive Lens Exchange.  The best candidates for the ICL are between the ages of 21 and 45, with moderate to severe nearsightedness.  The ICL’s primary advantage is that the eye’s natural lens remains in place, unlike other implantable lenses.

The ICL is a small, injectable lens that is inserted through a tiny, 3-mm incision that does not usually require sutures, although sometimes soluble sutures are used.  The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient has surgery and leaves the same day.  A light, topical or local anesthetic is administered, and there is very little discomfort and normally no pain associated with the procedure.

The ICL provides predictable outcomes and excellent quality of vision.  In the event there are major changes in one’s vision, the ICL can be removed or replaced.  Laser vision correction can also be considered as further treatment to achieve the desired outcome.  The ICL is designed to remain in place within the eye without maintenance.  The lens material is biocompatible (doesn’t cause a reaction inside the eye).  Some ICL types contain an ultraviolet filter.

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